Shirley Ray Hartfield Smith

Shirley Ray (Hartfield) Smith October 18, 1942 ~ February 7, 2021 “In Loving Memory” Shirley Ray (Hartfield) Smith, born October 18, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas to Melvin and Alberta Hartfield. She was the only girl of four children. Shirley graduated from Phyliss Wheatley high school where she held the title of “W Queen.” She later received her Associate’s degree from San Antonio College. She married David J. Smith Jr. on September 7, 1962 in San Antonio, Texas and they were blessed with a daughter, Terri Smith. Shirley returned to San Antonio from the Washington D.C. area in 1986 to care for her elderly parents. She joined various choirs including Cleveland Workshop of America, Donald Bedford Chorale and New Creation Christian Fellowship Senior’s Choir. Shirley retired from the United States government in 1996. Shirley’s passion was working with children and youth at Feed My Sheep Early Learning Center, Copeland Elementary, and IDEA Najim Academy. She combined her love for God, sewing and crafts by initiating a program named See and Sow at IDEA Najim Academy. Her summers were highlighted by her involvement with the, “King’s Kid’s Camp” at New Creation Christian Fellowship church where she was a faithful member for over two decades. Shirley’s parents and two brothers preceded her in death. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Terri Banks, Raleigh, North Carolina, brother, Robert L. Hartfield Sr. (Lois), Virginia Beach, Virginia; goddaughter, Tierra Willard (Gabriel, son), Maryland, grandson, Roderick L. Brown II, granddaughter, Quantara Heard and great grandson, Roderick L. Brown III, affectionally known as Tre (Sade Williams, Mother). She will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.